Author and philanthropist Rachel Kolisi brought her bestselling memoir, Falling Forward, to Redhill School for a Saturday morning conversation.

Following a series of sold-out events, including a recent appearance in Cape Town, Kolisi used the intimate gathering to reflect on resilience, reinvention and the importance of finding the courage to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.

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The conversation offered guests an opportunity to hear more about the woman behind the memoir, with Kolisi speaking openly about some of the experiences that shaped the book and the lessons she has taken from them.

At the heart of her message was the importance of not losing oneself while navigating life’s challenges. “Sometimes the bravest choice is to not keep absorbing damage,” said Kolisi.

She also spoke about the idea of self-abandonment and how easily people, particularly women, can become so focused on caring for others that they forget to make space for themselves.

For Kolisi, Falling Forward was created as more than a personal account. She wanted it to offer a sense of acknowledgement to people who may be navigating difficult seasons without always having a space where they feel heard. “The feedback has been beautiful,” she said, reflecting on the response to the book.

A recurring theme throughout the morning was intentionality and the importance of consciously considering what comes next rather than simply moving through life on autopilot.

Kolisi encouraged guests to recognise that taking care of themselves is not selfish, particularly in a world where people often feel pressure to constantly meet others’ needs.

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Her reflections resonated with an audience that had gathered not only to hear about her book, but also to connect with its broader message of hope, courage and starting again.

The event also had a strong community focus, with all profits from the morning donated to the organisation, One Small Act of Kindness, to support its work in the community.

For those attending, it was ultimately more than a book conversation; it was a morning centred on connection, honesty and the reminder that difficult chapters do not have to define what comes next.

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